Free computer diagnostic software

MicroMat Computer Systems Inc. last week took on Symantec Corp.'s Norton Utilities when it delivered TechTool Pro 2.0.

The new version, which carries a retail price of $150 but can be purchased direct for $97.98, adds directory and file recovery to its existing arsenal of diagnostic tools.

TechTool Pro 2.0 is HFS Plus-compatible and can repair disk structures, including B-trees and master directories. It can repair files, recover files and volumes, and scan for bad blocks. Version 2.0 does not have a disk-optimization feature, but the company said it plans to add this function in a subsequent free update.

TechTool Pro 2.0 offers users a choice between standard and expert interfaces. The standard interface runs a selection of tests automatically, then displays the results. The expert interface gives users full control over which tests are run and lets them select the complexity or depth of some tests.

Like previous versions of the software, TechTool Pro 2.0 can run diagnostic tests on a variety of system components, including RAM, ROM, floating-point unit, Internet connection, cache, parameter RAM, video geometry, keyboard and mouse.

Owners of earlier versions can upgrade to TechTool Pro 2.0 for $49.95.

MicroMat Computer Systems Inc. of Windsor, Calif., is at (707) 837-8012 or (800) 829-6227; fax (707) 837-0209; info@micromat.com; http://www.micromat.com.